Rabbits, being primarily herbivores, subsist on a diet of plants. Their typical food sources include grasses, leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits. However, the presence of a gravel road introduces the potential for them to consume substances beyond their natural dietary preferences. This consumption could involve trace minerals, salts, or even accidental ingestion of small plant matter clinging to the gravel.
The potential for rabbits to interact with a gravel road stems from a combination of factors. These roads often accumulate runoff containing minerals leached from the surrounding soil, creating concentrated deposits that might attract the animals. Additionally, fine dust and small plant fragments can settle on the gravel surface, providing a limited but accessible food source, especially when preferred vegetation is scarce. Historically, access to minerals and salts has been crucial for herbivore survival, driving them to seek out these elements in various environments.